Historic Confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary

Vice President Mike Pence broke the tie Tuesday confirming Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary.

"The Senate being equally divided, the Vice President votes in the affirmative and the nomination is confirmed," came down the declaration around lunch time.

This is the first time a Vice President has been needed to break the tie in a cabinet confirmation vote.

Senate Democrats debated the nomination throughout the night in hopes of getting another Republican to vote against DeVos.

"This is so close," said Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington. "We are within just one vote."

Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joined their democratic colleagues in opposing DeVos.

President Trump took to twitter to slam the debate saying: "Senate Dems protest to keep the failed status quo.Betsy DeVos is a reformer, and she is going to be a great education sec. for our kids!"

Many are opposed to DeVos because she has no personal or professional experience in public education.

Supporters say the education systems needs an outsider.

"Ms. DeVos is going to shake things up a little bit," said Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas. "But more importantly, she's going to be part of this effort to return power to parents and teachers."

Ms. Devos is known as a charter school advocate and President Trump has pledged to redirect $20 billion in federal money in an effort to expand school voucher programs and charter schools.

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